Man surrenders after police block 2 streets in Panama City

The standoff started after an argument with family members escalated to the point the man threatened to harm himself.

Panama City News Herald

PANAMA CITY — Dozens of officers, including SWAT team members, were involved in a tense situation Wednesday afternoon with a man they believed was armed and threatening to harm himself.

No injuries were reported as officers successfully talked the 22-year-old Bayou George man, whose name has not been released, into surrendering without incident.

The standoff started about 1:30 p.m. at 604 W. Eighth St. after an argument with family members escalated to the point the man threatened to harm himself. Family members, believing the man was armed, left the house and called the Panama City Police Department to perform a welfare check, officers reported.

“On our way, we were made aware that if we approached the door he would harm himself,” PCPD Chief Scott Ervin said.

Numerous officers responded and surrounded the house as crisis negotiators established a line of communication with the man. He surrendered without incident after about 20 minutes of discussion. Ervin said officers had not recovered any weapons inside the home and charges were unlikely. The man was taken for treatment afterward.

“This happens from time to time, you just never know when,” Ervin said. “That’s why we prepare. It ended with a good resolution and we’re proud of that.”